The creation of Tournament Fields, the 52-acre proposed commercial parkland scheme at the gateway to Warwick, has taken a major step forward.

The development brief setting out the design guidelines of the 700,000 sq ft project by Severn Trent Property fronting the A429, and visible from the A46, has now been endorsed by Warwick District Council.

Tournament Fields will become a landmark scheme with an initial development of 330,000 sq ft of two-and three-storey offices - the larger ones with an attractive lakeside setting.

An impressive causeway entrance across seven acres of lakes is being created off the A429 Stratford Road, enhancing the entrance to historic Warwick.

Carl Potter, partner and national head of business parks, of joint agents GVA Grimley, relishes the prospect, saying: "The formal adoption of a development brief by the local planning authority and Severn Trent Property is a major step.

"It provides potential occupiers with absolute clarity and confidence and ensures the future quality and tone of the development itself.

"Tournament Fields has the exceptional potential to become a major high-quality scheme among only a handful within the Midlands area capable of attracting the best inward investment opportunities."

His view is shared by Andrew Hall, senior development surveyor of Severn Trent Property in charge of the project at junction 15 of the M40, who says: "We are now one step closer to delivering the scheme into the market.

"The plan now is to embark on the primary infrastructure to the site which will be put into effect later this year."

An important principle in the master planning of Tournament Fields, and in the detailed design of buildings, is the promotion of sustainable development.

The master plan will encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport for access to the scheme, particularly from the neighbouring housing estates.

The district council's decision comes after six months of discussions and public consultation.

Mike Parry, a partner of joint agent Fuller Peiser, describes Tournament Fields as a central location to which companies are increasingly looking to avoid congested large towns and cities.

"We are currently fielding a number of inquiries from within the region and from companies considering relocating to the region, for accommodation ranging from 3,000 sq ft to 150,000 sq ft," he says.